Factors associated with the spread of dengue fever in Jeddah Governorate, Saudi Arabia

ABSTRACT

Dengue fever resurged sharply in Jeddah in 2004 and rose to 1308 cases in 2006. This case-control study determined factors potentiating the spread of the disease to provide an epidemiological baseline to help dengue control. All [650] suspected cases of dengue in Jeddah in 2007 were eligible for inclusion. Cases were those confirmed with dengue by laboratory investigations [n = 244] and controls those confirmed negative [n = 406]. Of these, 129 cases and 240 controls could be contacted and were included in the study. Variables found significant in the bivariate analysis were included in a logistic regression analysis. The presence of stagnant water in indoor drainage holes [OR = 4.9], indoor larvae [OR = 2.2], nearby construction sites [OR = 2.2], and older age [OR = 1.2] were independent determinants of dengue infection [P< 0.01 for all]. Face-to-face health education significantly decreased the risk of dengue infection. Efforts are needed to control the modifiable factors identified in this study with emphasis on health education